The MV Shapinsay Orkney Islands Council ferry at the harbour at Balfour, Shapinsay, Orkney

Flying over North Ronaldsay to Kirkwall

Don’t worry if you’ve decided to leave your car at home, there are plenty of options for getting around the islands of Orkney.

By land and sea

By car

Within Orkney, you can take your car on the ferry to several of the isles although it is advised that you check whether or not it is possible before travelling. Car rental is available from local operators.

By cab

There are numerous taxi services providing quick and reliable transport around Orkney.

By bike

A great way to travel in Orkney - you can either bring your own bike or hire one in advance. Quiet roads make for a relaxing experience and you can cover as much or as little ground as you choose.

By bus

It is possible to hire a coach for group day trips and there are a number of companies such as Stagecoach that operate tours around the isles.

By ferry

Orkney Ferries provide excellent ferry links between the mainland and 13 of Orkney's islands. You could be island hopping around Orkney in no time.

By air

It's easy to go island hopping using Loganair’s inter-island service. The service flies from the Mainland to the outer isles of Eday, North Ronaldsay, Sanday, Stronsay, Westray and Papa Westray. One highly popular flight is between Westray and Papa Westray, which, at just two minutes, is the world’s shortest scheduled flight.

Disabled transport

Tours

There are a wide range of different tour operators which offer everything from wildlife and history tours to archaeology and guided tours. Take a tour of Orkney and let the local experts fill you in on this magnificent part of Scotland.